By Tom Breihan on February 2, 2011 at 6:10 p.m. EST

The New York Times reported earlier this week that the Bronx turntable pioneer DJ Kool Herc, the man many historians name as the inventor of hip-hop, is unable to pay for surgery for kidney stones, due to his lack of health insurance. Now, the Times reports that Can't Stop Won't Stop author Jeff Chang set up a medical relief fund for him. And Herc is using his ordeal to speak out for health care reform.